Our Approach

As a UK practice with New Zealand links we are aware that Cornwall and New Zealand have many synergies such as coastal living, outdoors lifestyle, and similar climates which we use as inspiration for our approach.

We believe that design is a collaborative process where each person makes a valuable contribution in bringing their unique talents and gifts to a project.

We help our clients realise their ambitions delivering all types of buildings, places and spaces including community, leisure, housing, education, heritage.

Koha commit to:

⁃     Helping and working with our clients achieve and exceed their aims and aspirations.

⁃     Delivering excellence in our Sustainable and Ethical values

⁃     Advocating passive design principles wherever possible

⁃     Community Engagement and collaborating with local design and research networks.

⁃     Promoting contemporary vernacular design approach.

⁃     Team and collaborative work ethic.

⁃     Developing local skills and talent.

Koha’s Core passions:

⁃  Creating transformational and sustainable spaces and environments for people, communities, businesses and organisations. 

⁃  Net Zero, Low Energy, Sustainable, Community, Family, Local Contemporary Vernacular, cohesive architecture.

⁃  Sustainable transport, cycling, reducing reliance on car, promoting links to sustainable transport networks.

⁃  Improving margins and productivity for reinvestment in company, core values .

⁃  Growing local business networks with similar community goals.

⁃  Bring staff on board and involved in company.

Our Niche

⁃  Links to technology, research and academic institutions at Tremough Innovation Centre and Penryn Campus.

Our Services

ribaplan_icon.jpg

We offer the full range of services as set out by the RIBA, from work stages 0 to 7 respectively, and can provide some or all of these services depending on the requirements of a client.

koha_architects_cornwall_riba_2020.jpg

  • Feasibility

    RIBA Stage: 0-1

    Some of our tasks include checking planning policy and special designations on site. We help identify risks at every stage of the project and communicate this to our clients.

  • Concept & Developed Design

    RIBA Stage: 2-3

    We like to talk with the client, dissect the brief, walk the site, (in some cases sleep on the site!) sketch, draw, measure, model, research and value which helps form an initial response to a project . This begins a continuous process of assessment which develops throughout the entirety of a project.

  • Measured Survey

    RIBA Stage: 1

    We can provide measured surveys for small projects such as house extensions but generally recommend that any works beyond that should be carried out by specialist surveyors.

  • Consents

    RIBA Stage: 3-4

    We work with various statutory bodies in gaining approvals for often very contentious projects in very sensitive locations. We are sensitive to our clients who often have varying experience of building and can assist in meeting the requirements of various funding bodies such as ERDF and others. We are also accustomed to liaising with various ecclesiastical groups to obtain separate approvals.

  • Interior Design

    RIBA Stage: 2-4

    Many of our projects include interior design within the brief. Our services include everything from concept development to material specification and FF&E. We often consider circular economy principles and design for deconstruction, adaptation, and flexibility.

  • 3D Rendering / Visualisation

    RIBA Stage: 2-3

    What better way to showcase your project than with a beautiful 3D image? We regularly collaborate with CGI artists to create stunning visuals, but also offer this service in-house for smaller projects.

  • Technical Design

    RIBA Stage: 4

    Koha Architects are experienced in assembling documents for the purposes of Tendering and the various procurement methods that are used for construction projects. We are familiar with various contract types used in building projects.

  • Lead Consultancy Services

    RIBA Stage: 5-6

    We are accustomed to being the lead role in a project and coordinating the work being carried out by other consultants. We have a depth of experience in this role as this is expected of Project Architects that always tend to be ‘at the coal face’ of every project.

  • Full Contract Administration

    RIBA Stage: 5-6

    Wherever possible we encourage our clients to include our services throughout the contract administration phase on site. During this stage we observe progress on site and report on quality to the client.